New Resource – Trauma-Informed Approaches for LGBQT* Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Literature and a Set of Practice Observations

At present, there are few, if any, documented LGBQT*-specific models of trauma-informed practice. These two companion documents on Trauma-Informed Approaches for LGBQT* Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence – a Review of Literature and a Set of Practice Observations – were produced by the GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project through a grant from the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, US Department of Health and Human Services – to help support trauma-informed work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgender (LGBQT*) survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).

The literature review helps set the context for thinking about trauma-informed practice for LGBQT* communities. The literature review is organized into five sections. Section One focuses on the prevalence and dynamics of IPV in LGBQT* communities. Section Two focuses on trauma, mental health, and resilience among LGBQT* individuals to contextualize the critical need for trauma-informed practices for LGBQT* survivors. Section Three focuses on the range of systemic, institutional, and individual-level barriers that thwart LGBQT* peoples’ access to informal and formal support services. The last section reviews the core principles of a trauma-informed approach to practice, with attention to the needs of service providers who work with LGBQT* survivors, and provides examples of community-specific approaches to trauma.

The set of practice observations is intended to inform the development of a trauma-informed transformative justice approach specific to LGBQT* survivors of intimate partner violence. It was developed in conjunction with the literature review and reflects the input of multiple stakeholders.

While these documents are intended primarily for staff in domestic and sexual violence organizations, they are also applicable to practitioners in other anti-violence disciplines, homelessness services, mental health and healthcare circles, criminal legal systems, youth services, and an array of other human services disciplines and social change endeavors that seek to serve and ensure the inclusion of LGBQT* communities.

The Advisory Board for this project was comprised of the NorthEast Two-Spirit Society, Queer Muslims of Boston, Fenway Community Health, the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition, the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, HarborCOV, and Massachusetts Asian & Pacific Islanders for Health.

Trauma-Informed Approaches for LGBQT* Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Literature and a Set of Practice Observations

The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP)An organization that empowers LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
1-212-714-1141 | webmaster@avp.org | www.avp.org